Councillors
James Mendelssohn - Chair
James has lived in the area for over 30 years and moved into the village in 2008. He is married to Caroline, a long-time resident of Thursley. They are both actively involved in many aspects of village life and believe strongly in the need to maintain our heritage whilst recognising the need to plan for the future.
In his business life, he continues to provide consultancy services to a number of international professional services networks, and he has recently been appointed as the Chief Steward at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Responsibilities: PC Chair, Planning Committee Member, Stand In (all areas), Recreation Ground Trustee
Contact Details: Telephone 07941 507753 / email: .j.mendelssohn@thursley-pc.gov.uk
Pecuniary Interest Form
Sarah O'Brien
Sarah has lived in Thursley, on and off, all her life. Her parents have lived in the village since 1964. She lived and worked in New York and then London, before the Covid lockdown presented an opportunity to work from home and a return to living full-time in Thursley a couple of years later.
Most of her professional career has been spent in the Auction world. She is also a qualified Psychotherapist and her interest in the well-being of others has included volunteer counselling for ChildLine as well as acting as Safeguarding Officer for the Parish of Thursley. Sarah enjoys making the most of the Common and Punchbowl, walking with her dog and friends, as well as travel and spending time with family.
Responsibilities: Planning, Parishioner Support
Contact Details: s.obrien@thursley-pc.gov.uk
Pecuniary Interest Form
Helen Flavell
Helen was born in Harrogate and spent much of her early life in Cheltenham. She has lived in Thursley since 2008. She is married to Leon and has two sons, Jake and William.
For most of her professional career, Helen has worked as a property development solicitor for a large, City of London firm. Her role consisted largely of site assembly and project funding with considerable overlap in the areas of construction and planning law.
Her interests include playing tennis, horticulture and life in Thursley.
Responsibilities: Planning Committee Chair, BOAT's
Contact Details: Telephone 01428 683543 / email: helen.thursleypc@gmail.com
Pecuniary Interest Form
Tom Taylor-Mathews
Tom is a naval architect specialising in the offshore energy sector, with experience working both onshore and at sea. After spending more than 10 years working in London, he returned to the countryside with his wife, Tamsin, and their now two children, Jago and Willa. They were fortunate enough to find Thursley and relish life in the village. Outside of work, Tom enjoys sailing, tennis, cycling, woodwork, and cooking with the family.
Responsibilities: Planning, Recreation Ground, Young Thursley
Contact Details: email: t.taylormathews@thursley-pc.gov.uk
Pecuniary Interest Form
Michelle de Vries
.Michelle was born in The Bahamas but moved to the UK at a young age growing up in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, before attending senior school in London. After leaving school she entered the music industry working in recording studios and managing artists before moving to New York where she lived for 7 years and worked as a music publisher. After returning to the Uk she now works for herself overseeing all aspects of music in Uk and US television and film productions.Her hobbies include, walking her dog, Izzy Stardust, riding her horse Charlie on Thursley and Hankley Commons, and taking photographs of the Devils Punchbowl . She is also interested in Middle East History and Politics and has edited various books on the subject.
Her charity work includes being a long term volunteer for the Michael j Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research and her and her partner also run their own charity raising money for refugees in Jordan, she also mentors young women in the music industry.
Responsibilities: Planning Committee Member, MOD Liaison, TUG, Bowlhead Green, New Parishioners, Fire Liaison
Contact Details: m.devries@thursley-pc.gov.uk
Pecuniary Interest Form
Phoebe Sullivan
Phoebe is a long-time resident of southwest Surrey, having grown up in Haslemere before moving back to the area in 2018. Phoebe, Ryan and their working cocker spaniel Maggie now live on Highfield Lane and are enjoying becoming part of the village community. Phoebe currently serves as the Borough Councillor for Witley & Milford, a role she's held since 2023, which has given her valuable experience in planning, Community Infrastructure Levy and community engagement. Her professional background is in the Built Environment sector, where she leads a policy and public affairs team providing expert, trusted and creative counsel to clients to enhance reputation, meeting communications objectives and achieving measurable business impact.
Passionate about fostering community spirit and increasing participation, particularly among younger residents, Phoebe has spearheaded initiatives such as the Pothole Patrol Campaign and worked to improve highways, social care, and youth outreach. Phoebe is especially interested in helping Thursley Parish safeguard its natural environment.
Responsibilities:
Contact Details: p.sullivan@thursley-pc.gov.uk
Pecuniary Interest Form
Chris McClements - Vice Chair
Chris was born in Australia but moved to the UK at a young age, growing up in Cheltenham and attending Cheltenham College. After starting his career in the finance industry in London, Chris then relocated to Sydney where he joined Schroders Investment Management in the Information Technology department. After an APAC focused role that included time spent in Tokyo and Singapore, Chris moved to New York to lead the regional team for Americas.
In 2021, Chris and his partner Bruce decided to move back to the UK to be closer to family and rather than moving back to London, chose instead to move to Thursley where they are currently renovating a Grade-II listed cottage and have become active members of the village community. Chris enjoys walks on the Commons with his dog Rusty, gardening and learning about all aspects of DIY!
Responsibilities: Vice Chair, Planning Committee Member, Highways/VAS, Climate & Sustainability
Contact Details: c.mcclements@thursley-pc.gov.uk
Pecuniary Interest Form